Here are 4 ways to preserve strawberries so you can enjoy them in and out of season!
I don’t know about you, but when it comes to strawberry season, I want to preserve these delicious fruits as much as possible. In our house, strawberries go fast and we go through gallons and gallons of them. So, I have to act fast if I want to preserve them.
Most of the time when people think about preserving strawberries, jam is the first thing that pops in their head. But, let’s be honest, there is only so much jam you can make.
How about a little variety on that preserving journey?
I have compiled 4 ways to preserve strawberries to make the most of the season. They are all simple ways to keep the flavor of strawberries in your house all year long. With a little time, you can put up food for your family that is delicious and nutritious.
I say this often, but there is nothing better than shopping from your pantry. It beats store bought food any day!
So let’s get started preserving…
Number 1 – Jam and Preserves
This is probably the most common way to preserve strawberries. My Strawberry Honey Jam is a great way to capture the strawberry flavor without all the sugar. I find that traditional jams are filled with so much sugar that it is hard to tell if there are actually strawberries in the jar.
Canning strawberry jam is an excellent way to enjoy strawberries throughout the winter.
Tools
Harvest Guard Re-usable Canning Lids
Number 2 – Strawberry Syrup
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This is another favorite of mine. I think what I love most about my Strawberry Syrup is being able to utilize the strawberry tops. You don’t need more strawberries to make this syrup, just use the tops.
This can be preserved for winter use too and can be canned just like strawberry jam.
Tools
Number 3 – Dehydrated Strawberries
I love nestling by the fire with a warm cup of strawberry tea in the winter. Strawberry tea is an excellent source of vitamin c in the winter.
Just slice the strawberries and lay them flat on a dehydrator tray. Set your dehydrator to fruits and within 8 -12 hours they are finished! Another set and forget method, I just love those methods. I store mine in a glass jar in the pantry and use it all winter long for tea.
Tools
Number 4 – Freezing Strawberries
This is another easy method for preserving strawberries. Freezing local berries over store bought is a win, win. It supports the local farmers and it gives you the benefit of knowing where your strawberries come from. I can’t say enough about knowing exactly where your food comes from.
Freezing is probably the simplest out of all four methods, you don’t even have to take the tops off! Now, we primarily use our frozen strawberries for smoothies. Because of this, I leave the tops on and blend it all in the Vitamix. The tops and green part are packed with nutrients.
To freeze, lay whole strawberries flat on a pan and place in the freezer. When they have frozen, take them off the pan and put them in a freezer bag. That’s it.
Why do you have to freeze them twice? Good question. Laying them flat first to freeze keeps them from sticking together. Try fitting a solid, gallon size, block of strawberry into your blender, aint gonna happen.
Freezing them twice makes it easy to grab the exact amount of strawberries you need every time.
Resources
Want to learn more about preserving food? Check out these books, they are my go to on preserving food…
Preserving strawberries doesn’t have to be complicated. Just a little time and effort will benefit you all year long.
